The figure, which was down 3.3% on the previous year, is being put down to investment in infrastructure - and customers using less water.

The company said farmers relied less on supplies because of the wet summer.

Outgoing chief executive Tony Wray, who will retire from the group next spring - said it was a "good financial performance".

Severn Trent, which supplies 4.2 million households and businesses across the Midlands and parts of Wales, recently rejected an approach from an overseas consortium headed by Canadian infrastructure investment group Borealis, but today gave no clues over a fresh bid.

Coventry-based water company Severn Trent, has rejected a preliminary takeover offer from several international investors, including Borealis infrastructure and the Kuwait Investment Office, saying the offer undervalued the business.

"The board of Severn Trent has reviewed the proposal with its advisers and concluded that it completely fails to recognise the existing and potential value of Severn Trent," the company said.

On Tuesday, the water company announced it had received a takeover approach. Financial News magazine reported that it could be around £5billion.